Stigma, Substances, and Mental Health 101
Substance use disorders can carry a stigma, making it harder for students to reach out. This resource aims to ensure that when students do reach out, they are met with understanding and support.
Introduction
Post-secondary students typically have higher alcohol consumption rates than their non-student peers and may have an increased need for support and access to resources related to mental health and substance use. This resource was developed to equip post-secondary educators and staff to:
- Help eliminate the stigma around mental health and addiction;
- Build confidence in their ability to create a supportive environment;
- Understand the importance of a harm-reduction approach; and
- Direct students to community resources if they need additional support.
To find relevant services, see the Mental Health and Substance Use Resource List- open in a new window from Ottawa Public Health- open in a new window .
Knowledge Check:
- Before you watch the videos: Please fill out the Pre-Assessment Survey - open in a new window.
- After you watch the video: Please fill out the Post-Assessment Survey - open in a new window.
Modules
The video below provides an introduction to these modules, and gives some background information about student substance use and mental health.
Substance Use and Mental Health at a Glance Video Transcript - open in a new window
The video below includes advice from professionals about how faculty can best support students with their mental health and substance use. It also includes the perspective of a student with lived experience with substance use issues.
Substance Use and Mental Health at a Glance Video Transcript - open in a new window
The video below covers some protective factors for substance use and mental health and explains stigma. It also covers harm reduction and ways to practice it.
Substance Use and Mental Health at a Glance Video Transcript - open in a new window
In this video, Sarah Crawford, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Harm Reduction Coordinator at Algonquin College, provides information about the resources available at the college.
Substance Use and Mental Health at a Glance Video Transcript - open in a new window
Acknowledgements
This resource was developed through a partnership among the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) - open in a new window, Algonquin College - open in a new window, Carleton University - open in a new window and the University of Ottawa - open in a new window, as well as local clinical experts,